CCTV shocker: Told not to smoke while refuelling, man sparks inferno at petrol pump
Times of India
by RASHMI DROLIAFebruary 20, 2026
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A shocking incident at a petrol pump in Raipur, Chhattisgarh, nearly turned into a灾难 when a man ignited a fuel nozzle using a lighter after being asked not to smoke. The incident occurred on Thursday evening at a petrol pump in the Urla area, where two men, Dharmendra Kshatri and Imran, arrived on a motorcycle to refuel. While Dharmendra was attempting to light a cigarette near the open fuel tank, he was instructed by the pump staff not to smoke due to safety concerns. Ignoring the warning, Dharmendra used a lighter to ignite the fuel nozzle, causing flames to spread rapidly to the motorcycle’s fuel tank and the pump machine.
The fire broke out just as the fuel tank was being opened for refueling, leading to panic among those at the site. The pump staff swiftly responded by disconnecting the fuel pipe and shutting off the main supply, using a fire extinguisher to contain the flames before they could spread further. Despite the chaos, no one was seriously injured, though some burning fuel splashed onto the two men as they attempted to flee.
The incident was caught on CCTV footage, which played a crucial role in identifying and arresting the two accused individuals. Dharmendra Kshatri and Imran were apprehended by Urla police shortly after the incident, with charges filed against them for arson and endangering public safety. The prompt action of the petrol pump staff is credited with preventing what could have been a major fire or explosion, as the flames had the potential to spread to nearby vehicles and fuel storage areas.
This alarming event highlights the importance of adhering to basic safety protocols, particularly in environments where flammable materials are present. The case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of ignoring such regulations, not only for individual safety but also
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Originally published on Times of India on 2/20/2026